Minutes to Burn is a biological suspense story set in the not too far future, when ozone depletion has started to become critical, not only endangering life, but releasing tectonic upheavals that have started to spread chaos in equatorial America. The name comes from warning signs that appear in the exposed areas which inform people of the estimated time before exposure will cause serious sunburn. Throughout the book this is measured in short minutes, not in hours.

When a Navy SEAL team is assigned to accompany Dr. Rex Williams to Sangre de Dios, in the Galapagos Islands, the task is considered a cakewalk. It is a simple matter of affixing six tectonic monitors and leaving. The small team is put together out of what's available. Derek Mitchell, recovering from the death of his child and the institutionalization of his wife is the Officer in Charge. Szabla is his fierce, determined second. Carmeron Kates, considering an abortion, is brought in with her husband, Justin. Tucker, recovering from drug abuse, Tank, the demolitions man, and, finally, William Savage, a 50 year old ex-con and Viet Nam vet, round out the personnel.

What the team doesn't know is that Sangre de Dios is in the middle of a biological crisis. The release of a DNA modifying virus has triggered the development of a nine foot tall praying mantis form that is viable and laying eggs. When the team has all its weaponry stolen in Ecuador, and they decide to proceed to the island anyway, they find themselves facing a deadly and efficient killer. In the ensuing action they quickly realize that something must be done to control the Mantid's hatchling larva as well.

Back in the U.S. Dr. Samantha Everett, a viral specialist, analyzes water samples from Sangre de Dios and discovers the DNA changing virus. All involved realize that the virus must be cleared and the mantid carriers killed or Sangre de Dios must be completely destroyed. Hampered by internal dissent, the SEAL team is slow to mobilize its limited resources and the crisis worsens exponentially. A new mantid reaches adulthood and the only things left to eat on the island are the team members.

I was amazed how believable this story is, especially considering it's somewhat outlandish plot. Hurwitz has taken the time to fill in all the interesting details of ozone depletion as well as biological and tectonic information. The science is fascinating. The team's military behavior is equally well drawn. Beyond this is the fine detailing of the many characters that play a part in the story. Action thrillers rarely have writing this strong. This may be the best of its kind this year.

Minutes to Burn does present the conscientious reviewer with something of a dilemma. Most of the key plot elements are borrowed. The most blatant case, the idea of a monster created by a virus that modifies DNA, is a straight take from The Relic. But stranded SEAL teams, ozone depletion, and earthquake scenarios are all commonplace as well, even giant mantids. Despite all that borrowing, Gregg Hurwitz has taken these ideas and created a novel that feels entirely original and is every bit as exciting as its predecessors. Perhaps more so. In the end I felt that I had no choice but to give it a well deserved full rating.

--Marc Ruby